Me And Running

‍

Breathe Please

‍

If you know me at all, you know running is like breathing to me. I have been running for over thirty years now. Now that I am (yikes) technically a senior citizen; I continue to run. Over the hills and the straight aways. You will find me running on country roads, in the city I live in, throughout the parks, trails through wooded areas. It doesn't matter where I run, just that I run. I’m not sure if there are others out there like me, but I’m almost sure there are. I know a friend of mine (Connie), she feels as I do. Running for her is as important as breathing. So, that makes two of us.

Am I Really This Old

Being older I realize how lucky I am that my body continues to allow me to run. I have no joint problems. My knees are fine and my ankles, shins, and thighs continue to support me. A lot of people my age and younger have ankle or knee injuries from running. I am not sure why I do not but I hope I continue to be blessed with good joints. I take no supplements for running, I do take a multivitamin and calcium pill.

Osteoporosis Me?

The doctors have told me I have the start of Osteoporosis in my lower back. If I do it isn’t something that is bothering me when I run. Going in on a yearly basis for a Bone Density Test is something I have started. I got my first one last year. That is when they noticed Osteoporosis.  I also have arthritis in my left wrist. I notice no difference as I go about my daily chores. I have no pain in my back nor my wrist. I guess I will take the doctor at his word. That being said, it does not hinder me, nor slow me down.

Getting older sucks, let’s just all admit that. There is really no way to avoid it so I choose to embrace it. What else can I do? As long as my body allows me to run, I will run.

I Cannot Imagine

It will be a sad day when that is no longer possible. I cannot imagine what I will do with myself. Running has been such a huge part of my life for so long. I will have to find other hobbies to keep myself busy. Winter will be the worst. It seems so long as it is with me and the treadmill. I have discussed this in other posts. Somehow I muddle through until I can run outside. There is something about running outdoors in the sunshine. Summertime does not last nearly long enough for me. 

Races

I will still run races in my younger days I signed up for every race I could find. Eau Claire, WI is the place I ran my half-marathons. Carson Park is where they started and ended. One run I have never done is a full marathon. I am not sure why, but I think I may put that on my bucket list. 26 miles is a long run. Given my age I am sure it would involve walking and running. Hopefully just walking the hills. Maybe that will happen after my 63rd birthday. 

My favorite run is three miles. That is my staple run. I do go down to two miles occasionally, but three is the norm. 6 miles is a slightly longer run, I do enjoy the six miles. Let’s just face it whether it’s two miles, three miles, or longer. I will run it.

Music Is Key

Music is always part of my run. Now that I am older, so is gum. My mouth dries out and gum helps. I have an Iphone so I have music downloaded in a running app. Running without music is something I have done. But, music keeps me going. Country music is the genre I listen to, but I also have some Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, and Bruce Springsteen. Variety is key, that way it doesn’t get boring.

If you run as much as I do you will always come across dogs. They like to run out at me as I run by. Some I see, and some I don’t see. Not until they are right behind me. Immediately stopping, I let them sniff me. Most are friendly and if I happen to see them again, I don’t stop. They eventually turn around and go home.

Warm States

It would be nice to live in California, or Florida where they do not have winters. For me being able to run outside all the time would be heaven. No treadmill, no winters, seems like a win win situation. My daughter lived in South Carolina for a bit. My son and I drove to see her and the weather there was perfect for running. It was warm in the morning, heading out for a run was pure bliss. South Carolina is a beautiful state with a lot of history. Visiting was fun but Wisconsin is where family is so that is where we will stay. My husband loves Wisconsin and does not want to live elsewhere.

Go Tammy

My sister Tammy is a runner like me and is also waiting for warmer weather. Not sure if she has a treadmill or not. But she loves running outside as well as I do.

So Tammy, let’s hope for an early Spring, warm weather and sunshine. I’ll be thinking of you when I lace up my shoes and head out the door.

‍

Running, there is nothing better!

‍